Acid Running Score 4/5 from Wednesday’s World. “Running Towards Benightment”.
Price Range: £29 to £95
Acid Running emerges as a vibrant thread, weaving environmental consciousness into the very fabric of athletic wear. This brand, born from the fusion of performance and planet-mindfulness, invites us to reimagine our relationship with running gear as ambassadors of ecological resilience.
Imagine, if you will, a running shoe that treads lightly not only on pavement but on our planet’s delicate ecosystems. Acid Running paints this vision into reality, crafting a narrative where every stride becomes a step towards a more sustainable future.
Weaving a New Narrative
Acid Running doesn’t just create athletic wear; they cultivate a philosophy where performance and sustainability run in perfect synchronicity. In a world where the fashion industry often races towards the finish line of profit at the expense of our planet, Acid Running chooses a different path. They partner with globally-renowned Bluesign® System partners and Oeko®Tex 100 registered facilities, ensuring that only safe input chemicals are used in their production process. This commitment speaks volumes – it whispers of clear streams and unpolluted air, of workers protected and environments respected.
The Sustainability Spotlight
Materials: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Acid Running prioritize integrating recycled and natural fibres into all its garments. Their innovative approach transforms plastic waste into high-performance fabric, where 8 to 15 plastic bottles can create a yard of fabric. This rPET recycled polyester not only diverts waste from landfills but also uses less energy, water, and resources than virgin polyester.
The brand’s commitment extends to their cotton sourcing, choosing farms that employ climate-positive agricultural practices. These methods don’t just avoid harm; they actively restore the soil, painting a picture of regeneration rather than depletion.
Production: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
The production process in their primary factory in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is renowned for perfecting high-tech and flat lock knitting techniques over three decades. This expertise ensures not just quality, but longevity.
Water and air emissions are constantly monitored, ensuring that the dyeing process is safe for runners, workers, and the environment. This vigilance paints a picture of a brand that understands the interconnectedness of all things, from the health of their workers to the wellbeing of their customers and the planet.
Packaging: ★★★★★ (5/5)
All products are shipped in recycled mailers, but it’s their innovative approach to swing labels that truly captivates. Instead of traditional tags, they attach seed paper that can be planted at home to grow wildflowers.
Initiatives: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
While Acid Running’s product-focused sustainability efforts are commendable, there’s room for growth in broader initiatives. The brand could enhance its impact by implementing take-back programs, community engagement projects, or partnerships with environmental organizations. These initiatives would not only complement their existing efforts but also create a more holistic approach to sustainability.
Transparency: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Acid Running’s commitment to transparency is evident in their detailed sustainability page. They openly share information about their material sourcing, production processes, and packaging innovations. This openness creates a dialogue with consumers, inviting them to be part of the sustainability journey. However, there’s always room for more, perhaps detailed impact reports or a comprehensive breakdown of their supply chain could elevate their transparency efforts even further.
The Final Stretch
For the conscious runner, Acid Running presents more than just a shoe or a shirt, it offers a chance to be part of a larger narrative. Acid Running invites us to ponder: What if every step we took in our fitness journey was also a step towards a more sustainable world? What if the track we run on today could help pave the way for a greener tomorrow?
In the grand marathon of sustainability, Acid Running may not be at the finish line yet, but they’re certainly setting a pace that challenges the industry and inspires consumers. They remind us that the race towards a more sustainable future is not a sprint, but a marathon, one that requires endurance, innovation, and a willingness to reimagine the very ground we run on.